Escapism

Black-capped Gnatcatcher on the Proctor Road Trail

Nature is very powerful. It mends all wounds.  It brings balance and centers me.

Lower Madera Canyon

The darker the mood; the more focused I become. Without birds, I would go crazy. The human world is chaos. Instead of running down a trail, I will stand quietly still and listen.  I can move at my own speed and just absorb the bird song or snapping twig. 

The Rose Garden at Reid Park

Noise pollution is my worst enemy.  The rose garden in my nearby neighborhood park is lovely.  You might think this garden was absolutely quiet, but I assure you that it was quite loud!  Everyone including Tía Rosa were out celebrating the holiday weekend.  The air was scented with carne asada and rose blooms.  

The Black-crowned Night Heron at Reid Park

During this past weekend, I went to bird various areas.  It kept my mind occupied as I surveyed three different spots.  One was a fun chase with Magill up in Phoenix.  The second was at Reid Park.  And the third was at Madera Canyon. 

Band-tailed Pigeon at the Santa Rita Lodge in Madera Canyon

I forgot that everything was going to be crowded. However, it wasn't all bad news with the screaming and littering people.  If you think like a bird, you'll know where to find them:) So I listened and followed my ears instead of my eyes.  Before I knew it, I stood alone surrounded by birds. 

Nesting European Starlings at Reid Park

The smell of the roses.  The sounds of water running in the canyon. Blooming trees. Spring=Perfection 

Neotropic Cormorant

When the world becomes too much, I run away to the trails and get lost.  Yes, I am addicted to the outdoors. How can I stand for hours in one spot and not realize how quickly the time passes??!!! I love the Arizona landscape. 

Black-necked Stilt with a rare American Golden-Plover somewhere in Phoenix around a farming pond

My ebird reports are usually quite revealing.  When I hit the "calculate time" button on my phone, I am always shocked by how much time has passed!  It's easy to get lost in the moment. Even worse when you're hanging out with friends!

Black-necked Stilt close up

This weekend allowed me to "air" out my heavy thoughts and feelings.  Today I was much more balanced as I stood in front of my classroom. I smiled at my teenage students listening to their crazy weekend stories keeping my own to myself. I am reminded that it's about the times we share together. It's about making the most of each and every day. And most of all, it's about appreciating the time we have together.